South Africa honours families of veterans on Remembrance Day Special

Johannesburg
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South Africa has held its annual Remembrance Day nationwide with services being held in all the main centres of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as in smaller towns.

In the Johannesburg ceremony, attended by Digital Journal, which was broadcast nationwide on SAFM Radio, units of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) followed by military veterans from the Council of Military Veterans Organisation (CMVO), the South African Legion and the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHs), as well as others, were also accompanied by marching bands including the Transvaal Scottish and the SA Irish Regiment as well as the South African Police Services (SAPS).

Members of the Transvaal Scottish Pipes and Drums thrill the crowd.

Janet Szabo

The City of Johannesburg has a theme every year, this year's theme was honouring the families of the Fallen, who, according to the official brochure:

"This year's focus is on the families and dependants of military veterans, including those who have lost loved ones and bread winners."

Members of the international diplomatic corps as well as top SANDF officials, including Chief of the Army Lietuenant General Vusi Masondo and Rear Admiral (JG) Karl Wiesner laid wreaths, followed by Next-of-Kin of the Fallen and the military veterans associations.

A piper of the South African Irish Regiment plays the Lament during the memorial service.

The haunting notes of the Last Post, followed by the Two Minutes Silence, a tradition originating in South Africa, was ended by Reveille. The idea is the Last Post, played to indicate "lights out", represents death while Reveille, the first bugle call of the morning stands for resurrection and hope for the future.

Digital Journalist Chris Szabo in the veterans parade with the Infantry Formation cap.

Janet Szabo

On a personal note, I also took part in the veterans' parade and was touched by the city's "Gratitude Medal" given to all veterans. I managed to keep in step, too!